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Complete Guide

Financing
Options

Last updated 12 min read

Chattel, land-home, and conventional loans — explained. Find the best financing option for your manufactured or modular home purchase.

Quick Rate Comparison

Conventional
6.5% - 7.5%
Strong credit
Land-Home
6.5% - 7.5%
Home + land together
Chattel
8.0% - 12%
Easier qualification

*Rates are estimates as of 2026. Actual rates vary by lender, credit score, and market conditions.

Compare Loan Types

Land-Home Package

Land-home packages finance both the manufactured home and the land it sits on in a single loan. This works like a traditional mortgage for homes placed on a permanent foundation.

Down Payment
5-20%
Credit Score
620+

Pros

  • ✓Finances home and land together
  • ✓Competitive interest rates
  • ✓Longer terms available
  • ✓Builds equity like site-built home

Considerations

  • •Must own or be buying the land
  • •Home must be on permanent foundation
  • •Stricter property standards
  • •Larger down payment than chattel

Requirements

  • Land included in purchase
  • Home on permanent foundation
  • Debt-to-income ratio under 43%
  • Stable employment history
  • Home must be primary residence
Best for: Buyers with land or buying land together

Conventional

Conventional mortgages work for modular homes on permanent foundations, just like site-built homes. Best rates go to buyers with strong credit and larger down payments.

Down Payment
5-20%
Credit Score
620+

Pros

  • ✓Best interest rates
  • ✓No mortgage insurance with 20% down
  • ✓Flexible terms (15-30 years)
  • ✓No government fees
  • ✓Can be used for investment properties

Considerations

  • •Higher credit requirements
  • •Larger down payment needed
  • •Modular homes only (typically)
  • •Stricter appraisal standards
  • •Private mortgage insurance under 20%

Requirements

  • Minimum 620 credit score
  • 5% down minimum (20% avoids PMI)
  • Debt-to-income ratio under 36-43%
  • Stable employment history
  • Home on permanent foundation
Best for: Modular homes with good credit

Chattel Loan

Chattel loans treat your manufactured home as personal property (like a car), not real estate. Easier to qualify, but higher rates. Many buyers use chattel temporarily, then refinance to a mortgage after buying land.

Down Payment
5-10%
Credit Score
575+

Pros

  • ✓Easier qualification
  • ✓Faster approval process
  • ✓No land required
  • ✓Lower closing costs
  • ✓Can refinance later

Considerations

  • •Higher interest rates (7-12%)
  • •Shorter terms (15-20 years)
  • •May not build equity as fast
  • •Fewer lender options
  • •Interest not tax deductible

Requirements

  • Minimum 575 credit score
  • 5-10% down payment
  • Proof of income
  • Home must be primary residence
  • Home must be new or near-new
Best for: Buyers without land, easier qualification

Which Loan Is Right for You?

If You Own Land...

A land-home package or conventional loan often offers the best rates. Your home will appreciate like site-built real estate.

Explore Land-Home Loans →

If You Don’t Own Land...

Chattel loans work for home-only purchases. Buy the home now, add land later, then refinance.

See Home-Only Options →

If Your Credit Needs Work...

Chattel loans are more forgiving on credit. We work with lenders who specialize in credit challenges.

Credit-Challenged Options →

If You Want Lowest Payment...

A land-home package or conventional loan with longer terms keeps monthly payments manageable.

Low Payment Options →

If You’re Buying Modular...

Conventional mortgages treat modular homes like site-built. Best rates, no government fees, and standard mortgage terms.

Modular Financing →

Get Pre-Qualified

Pre-qualification shows sellers you’re serious, helps you understand your budget, and speeds up the buying process. You arrange it with a lender you choose — we are not a lender and do not recommend one.

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